It is such an honour to write this, my first column as ACCA president. I would like to start by thanking you, my fellow members, for the faith you have placed in me for the following year. I am also glad to thank my predecessor, Ronnie Patton, for the amazing job he has done in representing us. He is a tough act to follow.
I have been thinking carefully about the themes I wish to highlight in the months to come. They can be summarised under the broad heading: ‘A new future for accountancy’. I believe that this chimes well with ACCA’s aspiration to position accountancy as an exciting, purposeful and attractive career. It perfectly matches the needs of a world of increasing digitisation, technology and especially artificial intelligence.
We as ACCA members need to be ready and prepared to thrive and lead in a global economy where a focus on sustainable business, decarbonisation and low carbon solutions is critical. We as a body, in partnership with stakeholders all over the planet, are working towards a new way of doing business that contributes to a better world – promoting the public good, and fuelled by the qualities of trust, cohesion and tolerance.
I look forward to speaking about how we are redefining the accountant’s role
Positive changes
The theme can include a number of elements – some high level and strategic, others more practical. For example, I’ll aim to highlight the positive changes that we continue to make to our qualification and learning. I will promote our qualification as a desirable and accessible career choice.
In line with our strategic goals, I look forward to speaking about how we are redefining the role of the accountant, and changing perceptions of the profession in the eyes of potential future members, employers, governments and the public.
I aim to bring to life our vision of accountancy as a profession that is dynamic, forward-looking, exciting, constantly evolving in a changing world, materially rewarding, fascinating, flexible, stimulating and an entry into every existing industry and sector – and those yet to be created.
Our worldwide connections are our superpower
This is the accountancy of the new world – where our members thrive across different sectors, and where they are trained to excel in broader roles with an emphasis on strategic vision as well as technical expertise.
Our agenda for change offers so many ways to highlight the broadening role of accountants, and how our roles continue to extend beyond finance to encompass issues such as sustainability and social value. Our ‘accounting for a better world’ theme remains important in explaining how accountants play their part in making a positive difference. I know that that we can present ACCA as a brilliant opportunity for students and ambitious youngsters to change their lives for the better.
I also plan to use my experience in international business and working in global and regional networks to champion ACCA’s impact as the world’s premier accountancy body. Our worldwide connections are our superpower, and the countless links we forge with individuals and organisations around the world, at regional and national levels, ensure that our influence is felt in every place where big decisions are made.
We know that global questions require global answers, and ACCA members are uniquely placed to raise their voices in favour of sustainable business. I accept the challenge and privilege of serving as the voice of all our members as we advance that critical agenda.
I approach the post in the happy knowledge that I am working with the support of my fellow members. That means so much to me, and I will strive to serve you diligently and ably in the time ahead.
